Dear J.T. & Dale: The company I work for was purchased by a large corporation. They recently implemented new computer-based documentation. We all received training and were expected to be up and running within a week. Well, I’m not the most computer-savvy person, and I was recently informed that my performance is not up to the new standards. I have to assume I’ll never get proficient. So, before getting fired, I’m thinking of trying to find a new job. However, I fear all jobs like mine are headed the way of the computer. Further, what will they think about my leaving my employer of 15-plus years? – Janet
J.T.: Before you throw away a perfectly good job, I hope you’ll try to salvage the situation. After all, you’re right to worry that new jobs will likewise require computer proficiency.
DALE: Janet, Janet, Janet . . . this is about more than just keeping a job. People who refuse to embrace computers are missing out on an important part of what’s best about modern culture.
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Online video is known to generate traffic and increase conversion rates. However, many marketers fail to understand the full potential of online video. This year, online video will be used to deepen the brands’ relationship with customers, provide them with a customized shopping experience and turn customers from shoppers to brand advocates. With new technology called SmartVideo, the personalized online video will come alive in 2012.
You know that video helps your brand get found online. You understand that shoppers are attracted to the ease videos provide. In 2012, video personalization will combine the benefits of online video with those of personalized marketing. This combination will allow your brand to market with video that is highly relevant to each customer. The personalized videos connect with customers by displaying tailored messages with offerings that are relevant and unique, in real-time.
• Tip: Personalized videos can be used throughout the customer lifecycle, anywhere on the site and beyond. Y Read full post…
Every small business is different, so, of course, every entrepreneur will be charting new territory. If there were a simple manual or step by step approach for operating any business, everyone could be a small business owner. Unfortunately, its a bit more complicated.
Tips For Success
Dont have a clue? Not to worry. One of the things to remember about launching a small business is that often times there is no roadmap when you begin. Dont sweat it if you feel as if youre making things up as you go along.
The one thing your business needs. You might be surprised by the answer to this question. Businesses of any size need leaders who spread ideals and are artists creating a business with unique vision. What skills do you bring to your small business leadership?
Important Trends
Why we need black entrepreneurs. One critic says cuts in the public sector and a tough economy have had a disproportionate impact on the black middle class. One answer?
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View full sizeThe Associated PressTraders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange NEW YORK A surprisingly strong report on the housing market and the prospect of more cash for the International Monetary Fund to fight off a financial crisis powered stocks Wednesday to their highest close since last summer.
The Standard Poor’s 500 index closed above 1,300 for the first time since July 28, and the Dow Jones industrial average finished at its highest since July 25. That was just before the bitter fight in Washington over the federal debt limit.
It was also the first time since Jan. 3, the first trading day of the year, that the SP 500 moved more than 1 percent. The market has made a quiet ascent since then. The SP is up 4 percent for the year, the Dow 3 percent.
“We think things are setting up to be better than last year,” said Brad Sorensen, director of market research at Charles Schwab.
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Take a few moments to think about all the tricky financial paperwork that goes into running a smooth household and keeping your family happy. Sure, the kids might not know that Mom or Dad — while not necessarily trained accountants — are balancing several financial plates in the air at once, but they are sure enjoying the benefits of a warm and cozy home. The truth is that it takes a lot of due diligence and careful planning to successfully manage a family’s financial paperwork, so it’s no surprise that new and emerging technology is starting to ease the burden and lighten our loads. In the past, families were bogged down with tons of tedious paperwork, constantly forced to reorganize and keep important documents in a fireproof box or safe in case of emergency. Fortuna Read full post…
Dear J.T. & Dale: I have worked for the same company for 11 years. I can retire in 15 months. I know I live in a “right to work” state and that I could be fired at any time. Are there any laws that protect me from being fired before I retire? I am honest, dependable and hardworking, yet a few times recently my boss has threatened to let me go. He did this for no reason. – Nicole
DALE: Time to turn once again to our favorite employment attorney, Scott Gordon of Rodey Law in Albuquerque. First, Scott, remind us of the general position of most employees.
SCOTT: This is the default situation in many states: If you don’t have a contract, you’re employed at will. If you’re employed at will, your employment can be terminated at any time, for any reason (or no reason), without liability.
J.T.: Which makes it tough on employees, but they are not without rights.
SCOTT: Exactly. For example, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act is a federal law that prohibits an employer from terminating an employee based on age.
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